Mastectomy, Lumpectomy, Radiation &amp; Brachytherapy Bra

ABSTRACT

When women receive a course of radiation brachytherapy the indwelling catheter lacks support. The women&#39;s breasts are exposed; there are four staff people needed during treatment. In-between treatments the chest was wrapped with bandages. The wraps slipped and were uncomfortable.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The brachytherapy bra is a device configured and designed to allow a woman to receive brachytherapy with minimal breast exposure. The bra allows for easy access to the brachytherapy catheter. The bra conforms to the shape of the breasts, stabilizing a radiation brachytherapy catheter which is used in the treatment of breast cancer. Using this invention during the radiation treatment course allows for the treatment to be provided without exposing the breast.

2. Related Art

Other garments provide post-surgical compression as well as support for the breasts, but do not provide for the positioning and stabilization of a breast brachytherapy catheter.

SUMMARY

The devise allows for breast support, comfort and immobilization of the radiation therapy access catheter. During treatment the devise minimizes breast exposure, increasing patient privacy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Front view in closed position with Velcro strip in center.

FIG. 2 Back view with Velcro strip in center

FIG. 3 Outer wrap with Velcro strips at each end.

FIG. 4 Front view with outer wrap attached to front Velcro strip. Outer wrap encircles to back to attach to back Velcro strip.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a radiation brachytherapy bra used when a radiation catheter is in place in the breast

The device is comprised of the following:

The brachytherapy bra is a device configured and designed to allow a woman to receive brachytherapy with minimal breast exposure. The bra allows for easy access to the brachytherapy catheter. The bra conforms to the shape of the breasts. The bra is comprised of a stretch textile which may contain, but not limited to, cotton and Lycra. The front of the bra, which encompasses the entire front half, has two layers for comfort. The bra is designed to have a slit cut in the material which matches the exit site of the brachytherapy catheter. There is a detachable textile layer that stretches from the middle of the back of the bra to the middle of the front of the bra; this layer of material may be placed in a manner that allows the material to cover either the right or left breast. The detachable layer is attached to the middle back of the bra utilizing a Velcro strip. The Velcro strip is sewn on the detachable layer at both ends FIG. 3. The middle back of the bra has a Velcro strip sewn FIG. 2. The middle front of the bra is split Velcro strips sewn on the outer and inner aspects of the mid front of the bra which allows for bra closure. The Velcro strip is sewn on the outermost middle bra which permits the detachable layer to be secured FIG. 1. The bra is sized to fit various size women, ranging from 34 to 48 in circumference at the base of the bra. The base of the bra has an inner elastic band which is totally encased by the stretch textile. The shoulder straps of the bra comprised of the same stretch textile material. Bra has a scoop front and back. All elements of the brachytherapy bra are essential.

All elements of the brachytherapy bra are machine sewn using common thread, utilizing, but not limited to cotton.

The bra is placed on the woman after the brachytherapy catheter placed. The brachtherapy catheter exits from beneath the innermost layer of the textile material. The outer detachable layer of material is stretched over the inner layer encompassing and supporting the brachytherapy catheter.

The bra is machined sewn using a pattern. The Velcro strips are cut to measure ½ inch from the base and top of the bra. The strips are sewn on. Velcro strips also sewn on the detachable outer layer so that strips on outer layer extend to within ¾ inch of bra strips.

For each brachytherapy treatment the outer layer is detached from the front strip of Velcro. After treatment the outer layer is reattached. The bra stays in place until the brachytherapy treatment course completed. The entire duration of bra use is between 10 to 14 days. 

1. A radiation brachytherapy bra used when a radiation catheter is in place in the breast. 